ITV to show 2011 Vuelta

ITV will show live coverage of this year’s Tour of Spain (August 20-September 11), it was announced today.

Coming off the back of impressive viewing figures from the Tour de France, the broadcaster will show every stage live online and on its digital channel, ITV4.

The announcement is more good news for cycling fans who don’t have access to Eurosport, who are also showing the race.

Earlier in the year, the broadcaster added the Tour of California to its cycling portfolio, with their decision to show that race coming just weeks after Cycling Weekly revealed they held the rights to show races run by ASO, who also organise both the Tour de France and Vuelta.

ITV4’s coverage of the race starts on August 20 at 4pm, with the action from the opening day team time trial in Benidorm.

Ned Boulting will present the action, with race analysis being provided by Matt Rendell.

Speaking to Cycling Weekly, Boulting was understandably excited by the announcement.

“ITV have expressed a growing commitment to cycling; the Tour de France ratings have grown year on year and show no sign of slowing and they want to add to their portfolio of racing on TV.

“Their interest to show the Vuelta actually goes back to before Bradley (Wiggins) was down to start, and with Mark (Cavendish) competing there’s a real chance of British success,” he added.

Speaking about his on-screen relationship with Rendell, Boulting said: “We’ve got good chemistry and we’re also good friends when the cameras stop.

“Hopefully with Matt’s knowledge and my outsider’s information we can provide something fresh to the action, especially as some of the riders won’t be well known to some viewers.”